MANILA, Philippines - Sharing the dreams of parents and Filipino families of a "drug-free Philippines", the tandem of presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is eyeing on taking down half of the 3-5 thousand drug lords in the country through an "all-out war against drugs."

Speaking in his Sunday television program, Gikan sa masa, para sa masa, Duterte said the drug problem in the country has worsened to such a degree that it has become a threat to national security.

"In some places in the country, the drug menace has become so bad that drug users have resorted to paying for drugs not with cash but with goats and livestock," Duterte said.

The tough-talking mayor said he will not hesitate to use the military and the police and exercise the extraordinary powers of the president to stop the country's drug problem. "In three to six months, everything has to stop. Corruption, drug, criminality. You are oppressing the Filipinos, and I hate it," Duterte said, referring to criminals.

For his part, Cayetano said they have a comprehensive plan and stategy as well as the political will to win the war against drugs. Part of the strategy is the dual task of disciplining and improving the salaries and benefits of the police/Law enforcers.

"Under a Duterte-Cayetano government, minimum take home pay for law enforcers will be at P 50-60 thousand plus allowances. We will also impose harsh punishment for 'banta salakay' law enforcers. We will leave no excuses for corruption nor sleeping on the job," Cayetano said.

Cayetano said they received reports that big drug syndicates based in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have linked up to put up a united front against their electoral campaign.

"We will not be cowed. We will hit them where it hurts the most. We will strike at the belly of the beast. We will bring the war to their doorsteps," Cayetano quoting Duterte.

Before Duterte entered the political picture, the issue of illegal drugs was not in the front and center of the electoral agenda. With Duterte running as President many look forward to him to end the country's growing drug problem.